Claire Swaffield

Are you struggling to cope with life's challenges? Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, or the lasting impact of trauma, these feelings can deeply affect your daily life and overall well-being. If you've tried to manage this on your own but still feel stuck, I'm here to help. If you're ready for things to improve, I would love to support you on your journey toward better mental health.

Welcome to Talk Therapy Service in Worcester. Compassionate, professional counselling and psychotherapy dedicated to helping individuals aged 16 and above overcome mental health difficulties. As an NCPS Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, I offer expert support for trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, bereavement, and many other issues affecting your mental wellbeing.

Why choose Talk Therapy Service?

Based in Worcester town centre (The Tything), my special interest is in trauma-informed therapy using an integrative approach that addresses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. With extensive experience as both a Youth Worker (specialising in 16-30 age group) and a Psychology lecturer, I bring a unique understanding of developmental and emotional challenges across the lifespan.

My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based modalities including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – for practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking patterns
• Person-Centred Counselling – creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you lead the therapeutic journey
• Psychodynamic Counselling – exploring unconscious patterns and how past experiences impact your present
• Solution Focused Therapy – identifying barriers and developing practical steps forward
• Somatic/Body-Based Therapy – uniting mind and body through grounding techniques and trauma-informed body awareness
• Integrative Counselling – tailoring therapy to your unique needs, combining approaches that work best for you

What makes Talk Therapy Service different?

As a qualified Yoga Teacher with years of training in grounding techniques, I offer a unique holistic approach to therapy. This somatic awareness, combined with my integrative training, helps clients reconnect with their bodies especially important for trauma recovery where traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in both mind and body.

I understand that reaching out for help takes courage, especially when experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma responses, or lack of motivation. That's why I make the process simple, compassionate, and supportive. I offer a warm, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment, at your own pace.

Specialist Areas:

My primary special interest is trauma therapy, helping individuals process difficult experiences, memories, and feelings in a safe, contained environment. Whether you're dealing with single-incident trauma, complex PTSD from childhood experiences, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other traumatic events, I provide trauma-informed care that honours your unique healing journey.

I also work extensively with:

• Anxiety disorders (GAD, panic attacks, health anxiety, social anxiety)
• Depression and low mood
• Bereavement and grief
• Relationship issues, separation, and divorce
• Low self-esteem and self-worth issues
• Workplace stress and burnout
• Addiction and behavioural challenges
• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts (note: not for crisis situations)
• Guilt, shame, and psychological/emotional abuse recovery

Flexible therapy options for Worcester & surrounding areas:

Understanding that everyone has different needs and preferences, I offer three ways to access therapy:

1. In-Person Sessions – Worcester town centre office (English Mutual House, The Tything)
2. Online Video Sessions – Secure, confidential video counselling from the comfort of home
3. Telephone Sessions – For those who prefer phone-based therapy

Whether you're in Worcester, Droitwich, or surrounding Worcestershire areas, support is accessible in the format that works best for you.

Ready to Feel Better? Here's How to Get Started:

Booking therapy with Talk Therapy Service Worcester is simple and straightforward. Contact me today for your free 15-minute consultation. This no-obligation phone call gives you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your needs, and decide if we're a good fit to work together.

During this friendly conversation, we'll explore:

• What's brought you to therapy
• What you hope to achieve
• How I can support your specific needs
• Session options (in-person, online, or phone)
• Any questions you have about the therapeutic process

Call 07354 904215 or email claire@talktherapyservice.com

Or click the link at the top of this page to schedule your free consultation online.

Take the first step toward emotional well-being today, support is just a call away.

My Therapeutic Philosophy:

I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. Support and encouragement are offered in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. The process of therapy can lead to new perspectives and self-awareness – this can be both exciting and scary, so it's essential that you feel listened to, respected, and truly understood.

Using an integrative approach, I work holistically with clients, often incorporating the psychological, physiological, spiritual, and emotional aspects of the challenges we experience in being human. This encourages greater self-awareness and facilitates the release of tension caused by life's struggles.

As someone who has experienced the transformative power of therapy myself, I understand the courage it takes to begin this journey. I'm passionate about accompanying others toward living a life they love, and I'm committed to offering open communication, empathy, and genuine human connection throughout our work together.

Professional credentials & commitment to quality:

✅ NCPS Accredited Member (Accredited by Professional Standards Authority)
✅ Registered with National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
✅ Fully Insured to practice as a Psychotherapist and Counsellor
✅ DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Enhanced Checked
✅ GDPR Compliant & ICO Registered
✅ Adheres to strict professional code of ethics
✅ Regular clinical supervision
✅ Ongoing professional development

You can have confidence that you're working with a fully qualified, experienced, and ethically committed professional who meets the highest standards of counselling practice.

Counselling & Psychotherapy are offered Online, by phone & In person. In person Counselling is offered at my Worcester City Centre office. Counselling is £60 for 50 mins.

Ready to take the next step toward a happier, healthier you?

Starting your journey to better mental well-being is easy with Talk Therapy Service. I offer a no-cost, 15-minute initial consultation to help you feel comfortable, answer your questions, and ensure we're a good fit to work together. During this friendly phone call, we'll discuss what's brought you to therapy, what you hope to achieve, and how I can best support your needs.

To get started:

📞 Call: 07354 904215
✉️ Email: claire@talktherapyservice.com
🌐 Website: www.talktherapyservice.com
📅 Or click the link at the top of this page to book your free telephone consultation

Take the first step today! 

Understanding My Therapeutic Approaches

Integrative Counselling – Tailored therapy for your unique needs

Integrative counselling recognises that every person is unique, with different needs, backgrounds, and challenges. Rather than using a single therapeutic approach, I draw from multiple evidence-based modalities to create a personalized therapy experience that addresses YOUR specific situation.

This holistic approach incorporates:

• Psychological aspects – Understanding thought patterns, beliefs, and cognitive processes
• Physiological aspects – Recognizing how emotions and trauma affect the body
• Emotional aspects – Processing feelings in a safe, supported environment
• Spiritual aspects – Exploring meaning, purpose, and connection (for those who wish to)

By integrating different approaches, I can adapt our sessions to what works best for you at each stage of your therapeutic journey. 

Person-Centred Therapy – You lead the way

Person-centred therapy is founded on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. In this approach, YOU set the agenda, determining the pace and direction of our work together. This fosters self-awareness, self-acceptance, and helps you develop greater autonomy and self-direction.

I provide:

• Unconditional positive regard – Complete acceptance without judgment
• Empathy – Deep understanding of your experience
• Congruence – Genuine, authentic presence
• A safe space – Confidential environment where you can explore freely

This approach is particularly effective for building self-esteem, developing self-understanding, and navigating life transitions. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Practical strategies for change

CBT is a short-term, problem-focused approach that explores the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through CBT, you learn that your perceptions directly influence how you respond to situations.

In our CBT work together, you'll learn to:

• Identify negative or unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to distress
• Challenge and question the rationality of specific thoughts
• Develop alternative, more balanced perspectives
• Test out new beliefs through planned behavioural experiments
• Build practical coping strategies for real-world challenges

CBT is highly effective for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, and many other difficulties. The principles of CBT are tailored to your specific needs and symptoms, with a "here and now" focus on current challenges.

Psychodynamic Counselling – Understanding your inner world

Psychodynamic counselling helps you gain insight into unconscious patterns, conflicts, and beliefs that may be impacting your current life. This approach explores:

• How past experiences shape present relationships and reactions
• Unconscious patterns that repeat in your life
• Defence mechanisms you may use to protect yourself
• Childhood experiences and their lasting influence
• Relationship patterns and attachment styles

By bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness, you develop greater self-understanding and the ability to make different choices. This approach is particularly valuable for relationship difficulties, recurring life patterns, and exploring the roots of current challenges. 

Solution Focused Brief Therapy – Finding your path forward

Solution focused therapy is a goal-oriented approach that helps you identify what you want to change and develop practical steps to get there. Rather than focusing extensively on problems, this approach emphasises:

• Your strengths and resources – What's already working well
• Your goals – Clear vision of what you want to achieve
• Small, achievable steps – Breaking down change into manageable actions
• Exceptions to problems – Times when the problem is less intense or absent
• Future-focused thinking – Envisioning your preferred future

This approach is effective for clients looking for shorter-term work, specific behaviour change, or practical strategies for moving forward.

Somatic/Body-Based Therapy – Reconnecting mind and body

Trauma and emotional distress don't just affect the mind – they're held in the body too. Somatic therapy recognizes this mind-body connection and works to release tension, trauma, and difficult emotions stored in the physical body.

Drawing on my training as a Yoga Teacher, I incorporate:

• Grounding techniques (my specialist interest) – Anchoring you in the present moment
• Breathwork – Regulating the nervous system
• Body awareness – Noticing physical sensations and their connection to emotions
• Tension release – Identifying and releasing physical holding patterns
• Mindful movement – When appropriate, gentle movement to support emotional processing

This approach is particularly powerful for trauma recovery, anxiety, panic, and stress-related conditions. By uniting mind and body, clients often experience deeper healing and greater embodiment.

Trauma-Informed Therapy – Safety, trust, and healing

All my therapeutic work is trauma-informed, recognising that:

• Trauma affects everyone differently – Your experience is unique
• Safety is paramount – Creating a secure therapeutic environment
• You're in control – You choose what to explore and when
• Trauma can become "stuck" in memory, body, and nervous system
• Healing is possible – With the right support, you can process and integrate traumatic experiences

I specialise in supporting clients through:

• Single-incident trauma
• Complex PTSD (repeated or prolonged trauma)
• Childhood trauma and adverse experiences
• Sexual abuse and assault recovery
• Domestic violence recovery
• Psychological and emotional abuse
• Traumatic bereavement

My approach makes "really hard stuff easier to sit with," holding a safe space for processing memories, thoughts, and feelings while finding new, healthier ways of coping.

Behaviour Change Management – Creating lasting transformation

Drawing on my experience in the fitness and wellbeing industry, I offer specialised support for changing unwanted behaviours and developing more desirable ones.

This work involves:

• Identifying what stops you from being the person you want to be
• Recognising patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep you stuck
• Developing strategies to challenge and change these patterns
• Building new habits that align with your values and goals
• Creating internal freedom that supports external life changes

This approach is beneficial for addiction recovery, eating disorder support, and anyone looking to make meaningful behavioural changes. 

The Therapeutic Relationship – Foundation of healing

Regardless of which approaches we use, the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of our work together. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.

I offer:

• Compassionate, non-judgmental presence
• Genuine human connection – I'm real, authentic, and committed to your wellbeing
• Empathy and understanding – I've experienced therapy myself and know both its challenges and transformative power
• Open communication – You can always tell me if something isn't working
• Respect for your autonomy – You're the expert on your own life
• Confidentiality and safety – A secure space where you can be fully yourself

Together, we can explore your challenges, process difficult emotions, and find new ways forward toward living a life you truly love.